50
EMPLOYMENT
maintained by routine inspection of selected industrial under- takings, supported by field surveys and atmospheric monitoring where necessary. Special instruments are used to collect and measure atmospheric dust, fumes and gases, to record temperature, humidity and air velocities and to measure levels of radioactivity. The provision of adequate first-aid arrangements in factories is encouraged, and first-aid training classes for industrial workers are organized in conjunction with the St John Ambulance Association. The need for first-aid rooms or clinics is now recognized by local industry, and the larger concerns provide them. Under the Indus- trial Employment (Holidays with Pay and Sickness Allowance) Ordinance, 1961, applications from industrial undertakings for recognition of medical treatment schemes are considered and 27 schemes have been approved by the Director of Medical and Health Services.
Periodic physical examinations, blood tests and urine examina- tions were carried out on lead workers and workers handling radio- active substances or X-ray apparatus. X-ray examinations are given to those whose work involves a risk of silicosis. Compara- tively few types of occupational diseases are known to exist in Hong Kong. Notification is not compulsory and reliance has to be placed on cases being discovered by Government officials or re- ported by private doctors. Silicosis appears to be the major local occupational disease, partly because of a preponderance of granite rock which contains a high percentage of free silica.
An analysis of two surveys showed that an estimated 1,200,000 man-days were lost to local industry through sickness during 1960-1, which is about 85 per cent of the total man-days lost through industrial disputes, occupational accidents and sickness. The chief causes of sickness absenteeism in Hong Kong appear to be respiratory tract infections and gastro-intestinal upsets. Three health visitors do case work on persons injured by occupational accidents and liaise with hospitals, clinics, doctors, factory man- agers and other officers of the Labour Department who deal with workmen's compensation. Degrees of permanent incapacity for workmen's compensation cases are usually assessed at medical boards held weekly in the Queen Mary and Kowloon hospitals.
Industrial welfare. Many industrial managements now realize the importance of welfare facilities for their employees, and provide